The science of creating over/under lines for NFL games is not as arcane or mysterious as it might seem. All we have to do is accurately predict the total yardage for each team and we’ll be on our way to breaking the bank.

Earlier this year, The New York Times published the obituary of John Fairfax of Henderson, a lifelong adventurer and gambling enthusiast who favored baccarat. “Baccarat is equal parts skill and chance,” the Times obit stated. But it was wrong.

Another gentleman, holding a plastic football filled with beer, seemed to come to life when ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski appeared on screen. He stood up, yelled “Ja-Wor-Ski!” and sat down again without another word.

Examining teams’ records against the point spread is a good way to determine which squads are exceeding the expectations of oddsmakers and the betting marketplace, and which teams are falling short of expectations.

To reach the optimal site for viewing the curvature of the Earth across the eastern portion of the Great Basin Desert, you proceed two miles west from the center of this small Nevada town until you come to a reservoir atop a small mountain.

It usually goes something like this: “Well, the house did very well on Saturday, but the bettors killed us on Sunday.” Alas, the actual meaning of those comments is the same as Michael Corleone’s final offer to Senator Pat Geary. Nothing.